Frequently Asked Questions

Do stress toys actually work?

Yes, stress toys can be genuinely effective for many people. When you squeeze, fidget with, or manipulate a stress toy, you're actually triggering several helpful responses in your body and brain.

The physical action helps release muscle tension, while the repetitive motion can have a calming, meditative effect. They're not magic solutions for serious anxiety, but they can certainly help manage everyday stress in the moment.

What toys are good for stress?

Different stress toys work for different people, but some consistently popular options include:

• Squishy toys (like our Squishy Pig) that provide satisfying tactile feedback
• Fidget spinners for those who benefit from visual stimulation
• Roller and flippy chains for people who enjoy repetitive movements
• Objects with varied textures that engage your sense of touch
• Slime or putty for those who find stretching and squeezing particularly calming

The best stress toy is ultimately the one that feels right for you. Many people find having a collection helps because different stresses call for different sensory experiences.

What calms anxiety down?

Several approaches can help reduce anxiety:

• Deep breathing exercises
• Gentle physical movement
• Spending time outdoors
• Mindfulness practices
• Limiting caffeine and alcohol
• Getting adequate sleep
• Talking with supportive friends or professionals
• Tactile activities, including using stress toys

Stress toys can be particularly helpful as they give your hands something to do while channelling nervous energy in a productive way.

How long should you squeeze a stress ball?

There's no specific time limit—use it as long as it helps! Some people find relief after just 30 seconds of squeezing, while others might use a stress ball intermittently throughout a challenging day.

Listen to your body; if your hand gets tired, take a break. The effectiveness isn't necessarily tied to duration but rather to the quality of engagement with the toy.

Do stress toys help with ADHD?

Many people with ADHD report that stress toys and fidget items can be incredibly helpful. These objects provide an outlet for excess energy and can actually improve focus by giving the body something to do while the mind concentrates.

Research suggests that for some people with ADHD, having something to fidget with can help regulate sensory input and improve performance on attention-demanding tasks.

What toys are good for ADHD?

People with ADHD often benefit from:

• Fidget spinners
• Squishy toys with varied textures
• Toys that can be manipulated silently (important for school or work settings)
• Items that offer different types of sensory feedback
• Flippy chains or other toys that enable repetitive motion

The ideal toy provides enough stimulation to satisfy the need for movement without becoming too distracting.

Is fidgeting a symptom of anxiety?

Fidgeting can indeed be a symptom of anxiety. When we're anxious, our bodies produce excess energy as part of the fight-or-flight response, and fidgeting is one way to release that energy.

However, fidgeting isn't exclusively linked to anxiety—it's also common in people with ADHD and can simply be a normal human behaviour when bored or concentrating.

What is the best comfort object for anxiety?

The most effective comfort object varies for each person, but popular choices include:

• Soft, squeezable stress toys
• Weighted blankets or small weighted items
• Toys with interesting textures to explore
• Items that make gentle, pleasing noises
• Objects that engage multiple senses simultaneously

The best comfort object is one that feels instinctively right to you—something you naturally reach for when feeling anxious.

Are stress balls good for autism?

Many people with autism find stress balls and similar tactile toys beneficial. These toys can provide comfort during overwhelming sensory experiences and help regulate emotional responses.

The predictable sensory feedback from squeezing a stress ball can be particularly calming during stressful situations or transitions. As with any tool, preferences vary widely within the autism community, so personal preference is paramount.

What is in stress balls?

Stress balls typically contain materials like:

• Gel or liquid fillings
• Foam
• Rice, sand, or small beads
• Flour or cornstarch mixtures
• Rubber or silicone (for solid toys)

Our Squishy Pig, for example, is made from super soft rubber that provides just the right amount of resistance when squeezed, creating a satisfying sensory experience.

Does popping balloons relieve stress?

For some people, yes! The sudden release of tension when popping something can mirror the release of your own internal pressure.

However, it's worth noting that loud popping sounds might increase anxiety for others, especially those with sensory sensitivities. Less noisy alternatives like bubble wrap or silicone "popping" toys might offer similar satisfaction without the sudden loud noise.

What activity is best for anxiety?

Research supports several activities for anxiety management:

• Regular physical exercise
• Meditation and mindfulness practices
• Creative pursuits like art or music
• Time spent in nature
• Deep breathing exercises
• Progressive muscle relaxation
• Journaling
• Using tactile objects like stress toys

The most effective approach often combines several of these activities as part of a comprehensive strategy for managing anxiety.

Why do people with ADHD tap their feet?

Foot tapping and similar movements help people with ADHD regulate their arousal levels. These movements can actually improve focus by providing just enough stimulation to keep the brain engaged with the primary task.

Many people with ADHD find that they concentrate better when allowed to move in small ways rather than being forced to remain completely still.

Do ADHD people work well under stress?

It's complicated. Some people with ADHD report that they perform exceptionally well under pressure, with the stress providing the extra stimulation their brains need to focus.

However, too much stress can overwhelm anyone, regardless of neurotype. The relationship between ADHD and stress performance tends to follow an inverted U-curve: some pressure helps, but too much hinders performance.

What helps reduce stress the most?

The most effective stress reducers typically include:

• Regular physical activity
• Sufficient quality sleep
• Strong social connections
• Mindfulness practices
• Time management techniques
• Setting realistic expectations
• Taking breaks throughout the day
• Using tools like stress toys for immediate relief

What works best varies enormously between individuals. For many people, combining several approaches provides the most robust stress management strategy.

Are fidget toys for anxiety or ADHD?

Both! Fidget toys can benefit people with anxiety, ADHD, or both conditions. For those with anxiety, fidget toys help channel nervous energy and provide a soothing sensory experience.

For those with ADHD, these toys can help regulate attention by satisfying the need for movement and sensory input. Many people without either diagnosis also find them helpful for concentration or simple stress relief.